Overview of the ABS
The ABS is Australia's national statistical agency. It was established as the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics following enactment of the Census and Statistics Act 1905. It became the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1975 with the passing of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This Act also established the role of the Australian Statistician and defined the functions of the ABS.
ABS VISION
Statistics, well understood and wisely used, have the power to improve outcomes for Australia. The ABS will undergo major transformation over the next five years and this transformation is the key to achieving our vision of unleashing the power of statistics for a better Australia.
THE ROLE OF THE ABS
The ABS provides trusted statistics on a wide range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importance for government, business and the community. It also has a leadership role to coordinate the statistical operations of official bodies and liaise with international organisations.
CENSUS AND STATISTICS ACT 1905
The Census and Statistics Act 1905:
- empowers the Australian Statistician to collect statistical information on a broad range of demographic, economic, environmental and social topics
- enables the Australian Statistician to direct a person to provide statistical information, in which case they are legally obliged to do so
- requires the ABS to publish the results of these statistical collections
- places a life-long obligation on all ABS officers to maintain the secrecy of information collected under the Act, and provides harsh penalties for those who fail to do so.
AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS ACT 1975
The
Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 describes the six functions of the ABS as being to:
- constitute the central statistical authority for the Australian Government and provide services for the state and territory governments
- collect, compile, analyse and disseminate statistics and related information
- ensure coordination of the operations of official bodies in the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistics and related information
- develop standards for statistics and ensure compliance
- give advice and assistance to official bodies in relation to statistics
- provide liaison between Australia, other countries and international organisations on statistical issues.
AUSTRALIAN STATISTICS ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) is the key advisory body to the Minister and the ABS in relation to our statistical functions. ASAC provides valuable input to the directions and priorities for the ABS work program, and reports annually to Parliament. ASAC meets at least twice a year, and Council members are chosen to represent a broad cross-section of perspectives, covering government, business, academic and community interests. All state and territory governments are represented.
AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES
The ABS and its staff uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and Code of Conduct.
Impartial
The APS is apolitical and provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.
The ABS demonstrates this value by providing professional and objective statistical solutions with integrity, which are timely and fit-for-purpose.
Committed to service
The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the Government.
The ABS demonstrates this value by delivering the priority information that Australia needs; being innovative, responsive and agile; and by collaborating to maximise the value of public information.
Accountable
The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
The ABS demonstrates this value by using resources efficiently and effectively; and adopting sound statistical methods and transparent practices.
Respectful
The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.
The ABS demonstrates this value by engaging with stakeholders and providers in a respectful and professional manner; seeking to minimise respondent burden; and valuing diverse perspectives across our workforce and stakeholders.
Ethical
The APS demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does.
The ABS demonstrates this value by making decisions about priorities and resource use which seek to maximise the public benefit; and improving the accessibility of information to all while protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information provided to us.
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